Big Ten Football: Previews and Predictions for Week 11 Matchups

While the Big Ten is not necessarily the best in the nation, it has got to be the most entertaining. Week 10 brought exciting matchups and upsets. No. 10 Nebraska was upset by Northwestern and No. 15 Michigan by Iowa—both upsets are what all Michigan State fans should be thankful for—resulting in Iowa becoming bowl eligible. 

With three games remaining in the season, there are more potential candidates for the Big Ten Championship in Indy. If the season ended right now, Michigan State and Penn State would face each other on December 3rd.

As Week 11 approaches, let's preview the upcoming Big Ten matchups.

Rice at Northwestern

Northwestern is looking for their fifth win, making them one win away from being bowl eligible. They need to win two of their remaining three games to place themselves in that position. The Wildcats pulled off an amazing win over the Cornhuskers in Nebraska. 

This may be a win for the Wildcats over the Rice Owls. The Owls have allowed an average of 37.6 points per game, something the Wildcats—who have scored an average of 31.2 points a game—can take advantage of.

Northwestern has a mediocre defense as well, so this might be a close game. The Wildcats will have the motivation to pull off a win for the home crowd after beating Nebraska last week.

Prediction: Northwester over Rice

Ohio State at Purdue

Ohio State has been on a strong winning streak since losing to Nebraska in Week 6, beating No. 16 Illinois and No. 15 Wisconsin. They are looking to overcome Penn State in the Leaders Division.

Purdue beat the Buckeyes two years ago at West Lafayette. The Boilermakers need to pull that off if they want to stay in the fight to become bowl eligible. 

Ohio State has allowed an average of 18.1 points per game, making them 14th in the nation. The defense needs to use that against Purdue to limit their average of 25.9 scoring points a game.

The Buckeyes have a pretty good running game, rushing 204.4 yards a game. Purdue has allowed an average of 191.1 rushing yards a game and 19 rushing touchdowns. The Buckeyes running game might overwhelm the Boilermakers defense.

Prediction: Ohio State over Purdue

No. 24 Michigan at Illinois

This will be an exciting game to watch as Michigan quarterback Denard Robinson faces Illinois defensive end Whitney Mercilus, who has a record of 11.5 sacks for 74 yards and 44 tackles. Mercilus is one of the top sack producers in the Big Ten.

With a strong season start, Illinois is looking to bounce back from a three-game losing streak as they face Michigan.

The Wolverines were upset by Iowa last week, and they are heading towards another hostile environment for the second week. If Illinois can take advantage of a battered Michigan, they will be able to pull off this win.

The Wolverines need to win this game if they want to stay in the race for the Legends Division. Both teams have a strong rushing game and both average less than 20 points a game.

Prediction: Illinois over Michigan

No. 18 Wisconsin at Minnesota

It's the battle for Paul Bunyan's Axe in this upcoming matchup, one that has been won by Wisconsin for seven straight years. The Badgers have outscored the Gophers the past seven years with an average of 38.8 to 25.2 points.

The Golden Gophers pulled off an amazing win over Iowa and nearly defeated Michigan State in their last two games.

The Gophers have shown a spark of life the last two weeks, and playing at home is what they need to fuel them and win the axe back. Wisconsin has lost their last two games on the road, both of them by single digits. Minnesota has a home-field advantage in this one.

Prediction: Wisconsin over Minnesota

No. 17 Michigan State at Iowa

Michigan State has struggled on the road, and Iowa is coming off a big win over No. 15 Michigan. Last year, Iowa blew out the Spartans on the Hawkeyes' home turf, and they are looking to repeat it again this year.

Michigan State is back in the lead of the Legends Division, and they won't let go of it that easily. If the Hawkeyes win their last three games, they could end up going to Indy. This is their last home game of the season, and it will be one that they will fight to win in front of their home stadium. Iowa faces a new defense this year, and the Spartans are not looking for a repeat.

Both teams need a win in this upcoming matchup.

Prediction: Michigan State over Iowa

No. 19 Nebraska at No. 12 Penn State

This is the biggest matchup for the Big Ten this week. Penn State is undefeated in the Big Ten and is the leader of the Leaders Division. If they win two of their last three games, they guarantee themselves a spot in the Championship game in Indy. This is their last home game of the season, and with Nebraska coming off a lost from Northwestern, it should be an interesting game.

Nebraska faces a No. 8 in the nation in total defense and No. 3 in the nation in points against. Nebraska might find a way to break through Penn State's line who has a weaker rushing defense than passing, like they did to Michigan State. 

Prediction: Nebraska over Penn State